If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a kitchenette, choose a standard microwave. A model with a grill is useful if you want to brown food, while a combination microwave is worth considering if you also plan to use oven functions regularly. Before choosing, measure the space on your worktop, allow for the door to open and check the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. Then make sure your dishes will fit inside the cavity.
If you mainly heat up leftovers and ready meals, or defrost food, it’s worth looking at a standard model before adding extra functions. You’ll still need to allow enough space for it and follow the clearances in its manual.
If you want to brown the top of pizzas, toasties or gratins, a model with a grill may be all you need, without opting straight away for a fan oven function.
If you plan to cook other meals in the same appliance regularly, explore the modes available on a combination microwave. Also check its weight, overall size and the space needed to open the door. Having several functions doesn’t guarantee it will fit in your kitchen.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check that both the appliance and your dishes will fit in your kitchenette.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances specified in the manual; usable cavity dimensions for your dishes. | “When worktop space is limited, I want to be able to position the appliance and open the door without making it awkward to use.” Around 42% of consumers would put installation needs first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it actually has a grill and fan oven function, which modes you can use and whether any accessories are required. | “Without a separate oven, I want to cook meals regularly, not just reheat them.” Oven-style cooking would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill and whether your cookware is suitable for this mode, as well as its reheating and defrosting functions. | “I mainly reheat meals, but would sometimes like to brown a gratin or a slice of toast.” Around 25% of consumers would prioritise occasional browning. |
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the door will open or whether there’s enough room for ventilation. Combination models with similar capacities can have different external dimensions.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare these with the door opening and the installation instructions for the exact model. Finally, check the cavity or turntable against the dishes you usually use.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models add oven functions but cost more. If you mainly reheat and defrost food, these extra functions may not be useful for your regular needs.
Think about the meals you prepare over a typical week. Separate those that only need a microwave from those you want to brown and those that need oven-style cooking.
A dish that’s suitable for microwave mode won’t necessarily be suitable for the grill or convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only with the microwave function, for example.
Before starting a programme, check the dish’s instructions and the appliance manual for the mode you’ve chosen.
These examples can help you compare ranges and formats. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not to every product from each brand.
The French range includes standard microwaves, models with a grill and combination models. The MWF259SG is another configuration worth considering: a combination microwave without a turntable.
The brand offers combination models for people who want microwave, grill and oven-style cooking in a worktop appliance.
LG combination models are worth considering if you’ll regularly use the grill and fan oven functions as well as the microwave.
Samsung France divides its range into Solo, Grill and Combination models, making it easier to start with the type of cooking you need.
These models offer options for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, as well as appliances with a grill for browning food. If you need oven-style cooking, check separately whether the model has a fan oven function.
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Worth considering if you usually reheat and defrost meals, but would also like to brown some dishes.
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This model is worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning food.
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Compare it with other standard models if reheating and defrosting are your priorities, particularly if you need to check whether your dishes will fit.
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Its stated capacity may suit anyone who reheats larger portions, provided the appliance and dishes fit in the space available.
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Worth considering if reheating will remain your main use, but you’d also like a grill for some meals.
Start with the external width, height and depth, then allow space for the door to open and for ventilation, as specified in the model’s manual. Next, check that your plates and dishes will fit in the cavity or on the turntable. The litre capacity alone won’t answer either of these questions.
A combination microwave can offer oven-style cooking if the model you choose has the functions you’ll actually use, particularly a fan oven function. If you mainly want to reheat and defrost, a standard model should do the job. If browning food is your main priority, consider a model with a grill instead. In every case, compare the cooking modes, the space available and the dishes you plan to use.
No. The appliance needs to be positioned and ventilated in line with its manual, with enough room for the door to open freely. Whirlpool France specifically advises against blocking the ventilation openings. Check the required clearances for the model you choose.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says plastic should be used only with the microwave function, not with the grill or convection mode. Check the instructions for both the dish and the appliance before switching cooking modes.